OUR STORY
Five of our founding members have previously worked with a grief organization named Camp Koah. After a few years, it was decided that Camp Koah would unfortunately not continue. However, the five of us still felt strongly connected to the camp’s original mission of finding strength together. In the fall of 2023, we came together and decided to create a new organization to fill that need in our community. With a lot of time and effort (and funding from generous donors), we were officially approved as a nonprofit organization in May 2024. We are working hard behind the scenes and hope to host our first camp in 2025.
Our Mission and the Meaning Behind COVE
Our Mission
At COVE Connection, we are dedicated to empowering grieving persons to overcome challenges, embrace vulnerability, and build community through a holistic blend of activities, creative expression, and empathy. Our mission is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our efforts to support young individuals who are coping with the loss of a loved one.
The Meaning Behind COVE
The name “COVE Connection” embodies the essence of our mission: to provide a safe and nurturing environment for those navigating the stormy seas of grief. Much like a cove offers protection and calm from the ocean’s powerful waves, our organization serves as a sanctuary where individuals can find solace, guidance, and support. The acronym COVE — Community, Overcome, Vulnerability, and Empathy — reflects our core values, ensuring that every aspect of our programs fosters a compassionate and understanding space. Born from the idea that grief comes in waves, we sought a name that would encapsulate the journey of healing, offering both safety and connection as individuals face the challenges of loss.
MEET OUR TEAM
Mandy Adams – Chair of the Board
Mandy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and spent a decade teaching in several Utah school districts. With deep personal experiences of loss, including the passing of her biological father and father, Mandy is committed to supporting others in their grief. She will continue her role in the COVE kitchen, as she did as head cook at Camp Koah’s head cook in addition to her board responsibilities. Mandy and her husband have four children. In her spare time, she loves reading, relaxing by the pool, and collecting recipes.
Zach Hales – Vice Chair of the Board
Zach brings over five years of experience in SaaS sales and a deep passion for mentoring the younger generation, shaped by his background as a high school baseball coach. After losing his father in 2018, Zach found healing and purpose as a counselor at Camp Koah, eventually leading the counseling team. His commitment to supporting others through their grief led him to join COVE Connection, where he aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for all. An outdoor enthusiast, Zach enjoys playing sports and is excited to help COVE Connection grow into a vital resource for those navigating loss.
Chelsea Kemp – President
Chelsea graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. She currently works at Gargle, a dental marketing company, and has a passion for service and humanitarian work. Chelsea has volunteered with nonprofit organizations, including serving on the board for Be Humanitarian. Her involvement with COVE Connection began after two years of volunteering at Camp Koah. Chelsea unfortunately lost her brother Wesley in 2018 and it is in his honor Chelsea is dedicated to helping others navigate their losses. She enjoys traveling, concerts, reading, movies, and spending time with family and friends, and is a devoted Harry Potter and Disney fan.
Kyra Stoner – Vice President
Kyra graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in psychology and a minor in communications. She has held various roles in business, recruitment, fine art consulting, and construction, but her most cherished role is mom. Kyra’s involvement with COVE Connection is driven by the loss of her mother, father, and father-in-law in a short time frame. Her passion for grief support began at Camp Koah, where she jumped in without hesitation. Now, Kyra is dedicated to expanding COVE Connection to provide support for individuals of all ages. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, planning events, cooking, and playing board games.
Madi Whiting – Secretary
Madi graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Behavioral Science and Family Studies. With a deep passion for helping children and families, she spent four years as a DCFS caseworker, guiding foster children toward adoption or reunification. She now focuses on raising her daughter. Madi’s connection to COVE Connection stems from the loss of her father to colon cancer when she was 16, leading her to find solace and community in Camp Koah. As a counselor, she discovered healing by helping others navigate their grief. Now, she envisions COVE as the safe, welcoming space she needed during her own journey. In her personal life, Madison loves gardening, staying active, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Jack Bateman – Treasurer
Jack earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Utah Valley University and works at an accounting firm specializing in tax. Prompted by a personal tragedy — the loss of his son in 2023 — Jack joined our organization and is committed to helping others through their experiences. Outside of work and his financial duties at COVE, Jack enjoys fly fishing and exploring nature with his wife and daughter.
COVE Connection is guided by a dedicated and passionate team of board members who bring a wealth of experience and commitment to our mission. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring that our organization fulfills its purpose of supporting grieving young individuals.
